Run Sheets

[Rebbe]

Attached is an excel document with examples of 6 different run sheets (click the tabs to see them all).

I adjust the run sheet format to suit the needs of each show, and reflect what makes sense to the backstage crew.  On some shows, a specific person is assigned to SL or SR, so names are only included if they're doing something away from their usual post.  I try to include as much detail as possible, so that someone could take over based on the run sheet with minimal additional instruction.  I had a good laugh looking back at these run sheets…how many jobs have you  ”move Cupid’s wings” each night? 

[Sarah]

Here's my example of a "run sheet" though I call them "shift plots." I usually annotate per each production's needs since my crew members are students who might not be familiar with backstage terminology. I have noticed the other thread entitled "Scene Shifts"...does anyone else consider these the same document? Or do some folks consider the extrapolated, individual crew tracks as "run sheets" and the composite a "shift sheet/plot"?

[erin]

I use the terms interchangeably, though i would assume a run sheet to be more comprehensive than a shift plot (i.e. including prop handoffs, monitoring entrances and exits...things that aren't usually part of big shifts.)

Whenever i work with union crews they want timings, so i incorporate timings from the final rehearsal room run, so that crew members who have no familiarity with the show or production can calculate how much time they have from task to task. 

[Huddy87]

The first show I ASMed I was in charge of the run sheet, but we used the term 'set choreography.' After seven versions of it I finally printed up the finial version which inculded a picture of the stage with how every scene was set up including major props and large set pieces. It turned out to be extremely helpful and we ran in perfectly in one tech rehearsal.

[lbeacham]

Run sheet attached - for a really complicated run of Travesties in Houston.

[nick_tochelli]

I've been using this style for the past two years. It's the standard backstage run sheet for the Guthrie Theatre. Its used for deck crew and costume crews and it was very helpful when touring. Especially the time breakdown for local crews who don't know the show and only get one shot at it.

[EzBrEzPSM]

Ok, I'm feeling really ignorant right now. What are the parameters to making a run sheet? I don't necessarily see any cues, but I do see a lot of actor action tracking and actor cue tracking. Is a run sheet a way of tracking set changes, prop movements, exits/entrances and actor cues? Sorry, to have to ask, those example sheets are just very impressive and I have never seen one before. Thanks!

[Maribeth]

Run sheets vary from SM to SM and from show to show. Yes, a run sheet is a way to track all of the things that happen backstage during a show. Crew members use it to run their backstage tracks. Ideally a good run sheet is thoroughly detailed enough that if one of your run crew was sick or had to miss a show, a sub would be able to run the track using the run sheet provided.